Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh blast centre for poor tackling of COVID-19

The Congress Working Committee (CWC) met over video conferencing  to discuss the coronavirus crisis in the country

Congress president Sonia Gandhi once again pointed at the poor rate of testing for coronavirus

Sonia Gandhi also raised concern on the shortage of supply in PPE kits for medical professionals.

In the CWC meeting, Sonia Gandhi said, “We have repeatedly urged the Prime Minister that there is no alternative to testing, trace and quarantine...

...Unfortunately, testing still remains low and testing kits are still in short supply and of poor quality. PPE kits' number and quality is poor.”

India had initially procured huge stocks of rapid testing kits from China, which failed quality checks

Use of these testing kits have now been put on a hold by ICMR.

Sonia Gandhi said on Thursday, “Since our meeting three weeks ago, the pandemic has increased disturbingly, both in spread and speed.”

The Congress president once again flagged the shortage and poor quality of PPEs.

Sonia Gandhi also spoke on the huge economic crisis looming with the complete lockdown of the country.

She added, “12 crore jobs have been lost in the first phase of the lockdown...

...Unemployment is likely to increase further as economic activity remains at a standstill.

It is imperative to provide at least Rs 7,500 to each family to tide over this crisis.”

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, too, spoke on recovering from the coronavirus crisis.

He said, “Success of the lockdown will be finally judged on our ability to tackle COVID-19.

Cooperation between the Centre and states is key to the success of our fight against Covid-19.”

Sonia Gandhi added, “Farmers are facing serious difficulties. Apart from millions of migrants, farmers are facing worst challenges...

...The issues of weak and unclear procurement policies and disrupted supply chains need to be addressed without delay.

Facilities must be made available to the farmers for the next round of kharif crops.”

Sonia Gandhi added, “Migrant labourers are still stranded, jobless and desperate to return home.

They have been hit the hardest. They must be provided with food security and a financial safety net in order to survive this period of crisis.”

“MSMEs employ close to 11 crore people. They make up for one third of the GDP.

it is imperative that a special package be announced urgently for their survival,” the Congress leader said.